Pune, 14th July 2026: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a technology of the future, it has become part of everyday life, and students must learn to use it wisely rather than depend on it completely, said Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) Chief Mentor Vivek Sawant.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the silver jubilee celebration of Pune Vidyarthi Griha's (PVG) Science and Commerce College.
Sawant said AI should help people think better instead of replacing human thinking. He cautioned that relying entirely on AI for answers could weaken creativity and independent decision-making. Students, he said, should focus on developing critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving abilities to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
He also noted that AI will transform many traditional jobs. While routine tasks may increasingly be handled by technology, history has shown that every major technological revolution creates new opportunities alongside change. Students should therefore prepare themselves by learning new skills and adapting to emerging technologies.
Savitribai Phule Pune University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar said the education sector is expected to undergo major changes over the next 25 years. He observed that earning a degree alone may not be enough for future careers and stressed the importance of practical experience and industry-relevant skills.
Dr. Kalkar said the university is introducing programs in emerging fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning under the National Education Policy. He added that knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is applied in practice.
Deputy Mayor Parashuram Wadekar said quality education remains the strongest means of improving society and appreciated Pune Vidyarthi Griha's contribution in educating thousands of underprivileged students over the years.
The event was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, Deputy Mayor Parashuram Wadekar, PVG office-bearers Rajendra Borhade, Amol Joshi, Sanjay Gunjal, Krishnaji Kulkarni, director Sunil Redekar, college head Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kamble, Principal Dr. Sanjay Gaikwad, and other dignitaries.
During the program, the college honoured office-bearers, faculty members, staff, and alumni who contributed to its growth over the past 25 years. A commemorative souvenir highlighting the institution's silver jubilee journey was also released.
